The green carpet was mowed, fertilized and rolled out for Vancouver’s 2011 Eco Fashion Week. Fashion lovers, designers, writers, trendsetters, bloggers, photographers, models and buyers were treated to a week of eco elegance and style. As I viewed each show with wide eyes and a vast smile on my face, I started to notice some trends. It must be true that great minds think alike, because every single designer had their own unique, strong and determined collection, yet there were common themes and notable trends.
Hoods
Take a style tip from a children’s storybook, and borrow Little Red Riding Hood’s trendy, yet practical hood. Hoods were spotted in numerous shows, with some of the most memorable hoods showing up in the Downtown Betty, Nicole Bridger, Peridot Kiss and We3 shows. If harsh winters and a chilly breeze are common occurrences in your hometown, pick a heavy oversized hood that drapes forward. For warmer climates, choose a light hood that won’t add bulk.
Peridot Kiss - Photography by Peter Holst / www.holstphotographic.com
Downtown Betty - Photography by Jason Hargrove
Little (or Big) Black Boots
Before your little black boots tell your little black dress to take a hike, it’s important to remember that black boots look great with skirts, dresses, pants or shorts. A great pair of black boots can add a dash of versatile spunk to any outfit. The boots at EFW ranged from studded to military, short to tall, and flat to heeled. Male and female models strutted down the runway in them and they made an appearance in almost every show (Jason Matlo, Dahlia Drive, Sofia Clothing, Prophetik and Echo Rain, just to name a few).
Jason Matlo - Photography by Peter Holst / www.holstphotographic.com
Adhesif - Photography by Darko Sikman
Prophetik - Photography by Peter Holst / www.holstphotographic.com
Tie-dye and Blending
A little love, peace and happiness showed up at Eco Fashion Week, along with some dreamy, bled patterns. Tie-dye was most notably used in Kim Cathers’ kdon collection, and showed up in accent pieces in other collections. Blending colours, washed out edges, smooth transition lines and blurred patterns were also utilized, adding depth and texture.
kdon -Photography by Yvonne Chew
The Battalion - Photography by Darko Sikman
Wrap Belts
Wrap belts kept popping up in numerous shows and are perfect for emphasizing the smallest part of the waist. Most of the belts featured at EFW had no buckles, embellishments, bells or whistles. Take a tip from the Filly or Adhesif show and twirl, whirl, knot, wrap and tuck your belt to create a personalized look, which acts as the natural detail. Wrap recycled leather or suede strips around your waist, or try sporting them on your wrist as a bracelet.
Nicole Bridger - Photography by Peter Holst / www.holstphotographic.com
Lav and Kush - Photography by Jason Hargrove
(zero.O.lab) - Photography by Peter Holst / www.holstphotographic.com
Filly - Photography by J2.8 Studios
Another reason to love these trends, is that most of us will have a component of them already in our closet. Got an old pair of 90s black combat boots laying around? Grab some new shoelaces, give them a shine, and suddenly you’re sporting the latest trend. Don’t have a wrap belt? Make a trip to your local craft store and get some fake suede string, use an oversized scarf or even a thick shoelace. Get creative with what you have and have fun with it.
So, who’s up for a good old fashioned tie-dying party?
Left to Right: Jessica Linnay (frockOn), Myriam Laroche (EFW President), Evie Ponce (EFW Vice President), Kendra Hagerman (frockOn) - Photography by J2.8 Studios
Article by: Kendra Hagerman
frockOn © 2011
I am so jealous. Everyone and everything looks so elegant! Invite me next time
LOVE this article sistah! xo
totally into the tie-dye, and the belts are a GREAT idea! i love the idea of getting fabric strips and playing with it as bracelet, etc. let’s hit the stores!
I’m a little addicted to hooded anything…I love when hoods can look cute instead of just gangster. Great piece girl!
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